Apparatus and method for providing a target zone

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for providing a target zone for an object in motion is disclosed. An apparatus includes an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of a zone, and at least two elastic strands. Each elastic strand is connected to a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape.

BACKGROUND

In many sports and other activities, the ability to provide a target isof paramount importance for learning and training. For example, manydevices exist that provide a target against or through which a personcan throw a ball. Many of these devices, however, do not provide atarget zone that is positioned and suspended in a particular location infree space, and which yield for an object that makes contact with thedevice so that the target zone maintains its shape and position.

For instance, many target devices will change the trajectory of anobject if contact is made. As such, these devices really cannot providea true and effective target zone of desired dimensions, which can beused in realistic situations of the associated sport or activity. Whatis needed is an apparatus and system for providing a target zone in freespace and which can be employed in realistic sports situations.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method for providing a target zone for an object inmotion is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes an inelasticstrand that defines a perimeter of a zone, and at least two elasticstrands. Each elastic strand is connected to a point along the inelasticstrand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the atleast two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape.

In another aspect, a system for providing a target zone for an object inmotion includes an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of a zone,and at least two elastic strands. Each elastic strand is connected to apoint along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from theinelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into apredetermined shape. The system further includes a support having anattachment mechanism to which the at least two elastic strands can beconnected to suspend the zone at a predetermined height.

The support can include two support structures. Each support structuresmay be formed as a post connected to a base for placement on asubstantially planar surface. The post can be telescopically arranged toa particular desired height.

In yet another aspect, a method for providing a target zone for anobject in motion, includes defining a perimeter of a zone with aninelastic strand, and connecting at least two elastic strands torespective points along the inelastic strand, such that when biasedoutward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands formthe zone into a predetermined shape.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with referenceto the following drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an apparatus for providing a target zonefor an object in flight.

FIG. 2 shows a system for providing a target zone.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show several examples of a mechanism for attaching anelastic strand to a support structure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show several examples of a mechanism for connecting anelastic strand to a point of an inelastic strand.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a system for providing atarget zone.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a clip for connecting an elastic strandto a support structure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for providing a targetzone for an object in motion. The apparatus 100 includes an inelasticstrand 102 that forms a perimeter of a zone 101. The inelastic strand102 can be any string, cord, rope, thread or twine that has a minimalamount of elasticity, and can be formed of any natural or synthetictextile materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the inelastic strand 102is formed of nylon twine.

The apparatus 100 further includes at least two elastic strands 104, andpreferably at least four elastic strands 104. Each elastic strand isconnected to a point 103 along the inelastic strand 102, such that, whenthe at least two elastic strands 104 are stretched outward from theinelastic strand 102 in a direction parallel to a central axis of eachelastic strand 104, the zone 101 is formed into a shape 106 ofpredetermined dimensions. Each elastic strand 104 can be any string,cord, rope, thread or twine that has elasticity. Most or all of theenergy of an object that grazes or touches the inelastic strand 102 isabsorbed by the elasticity of one or more of the elastic strands 104such that the trajectory of the object is not materially impeded.

The shape 106 is preferably rectangular, to provide a rectangular targetspace 101, but can also be triangular or any other polygonal shape. Inan embodiment, the dimensions of the shape 106 in a rectangular formrange from 10 to 30 inches in height by 10 to 30 inches in width. In apreferred exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the shape 106 in arectangular form are around 24 inches in height by around 17 inches inwidth, to correspond approximately with a baseball strike zone. Thebaseball strike zone is that area over home plate, the upper limit ofwhich is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of a batter'sshoulders and the top of the batter's uniform pants, and the lower levelis a line at the hollow beneath the batter's knee cap. The baseballstrike zone is determined from the batter's stance as the batter isprepared to swing at a pitched ball, which the apparatus 100 allows in arealistic practice scenario.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the zone 101 areconfigurable to allow dimensions of any size. In this example, theconnection point of at least one elastic strand 104 can be moved orchanged to change the associated dimensions of the shape 106 of the zone101. In an exemplary embodiment, the inelastic strand 102 has a colorthat is different from the color of the elastic strands 104. Preferably,the color of the inelastic strand 102 contrasts with the color of theelastic strands 104 in order for the inelastic strand 102 to stand outwhile being suspended in the shape 106 of the zone 101.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the apparatus 100 can be integrated into a system110 that includes a support structure 112 to which one or more of theelastic strands 104 can be attached to suspend the inelastic strand 102in the shape 106 of the zone 101. In a preferred embodiment, supportstructure 112 includes two supports 113, and the system 110 includesfour elastic strands 104 connected in pairs to the two supports 113.

In an exemplary embodiment, each support 112 includes a post 116connected to and secured in an upright position by a base 114. The post116 can be telescopic, i.e. formed of two or more telescoping pieces,for adjustment to any range of height. The base 114 is sufficientlyheavy and of sufficient size to inhibit substantial bending of the post116 when the apparatus 100 is suspended in a target-providing mode. Thebase 114 and/or post 116 can be made of wood, plastic, or metal, or anyother suitably rigid and/or heavy supportive material.

Each post 116 can include at least one hook, eye bolt, strap, aperture,or other connecting mechanism to which at least one elastic strand 104can attach. The arrangement and connection between the support 112 andat least one elastic strand 104 provides the desired length, positionand/or tension of the elastic strand 104. In an embodiment, the post 116includes a retraction mechanism to allow the elastic strand 104 to beextendable from the post 116. Alternatively, the elastic strand 104 canbe wound around or unwound from the post 116 to a desired length ortension.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show several examples of a mechanism for attaching anelastic strand 104 to a support structure, such as a fence, a wall, apost, or the support 112. The elastic strand 104 can be attached to ahook 120, as shown in FIG. 3A, or to a velcro™ strap 112, as shown inFIG. 3B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show several examples of a mechanism for connecting anelastic strand 104 to a point 103 of an inelastic strand 102. Asillustrated in FIG. 4A, the inelastic strand 102 can be looped andsecured at the point 103 to define a comer to which the elastic strand104 can be attached. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the elastic strand 104can be connected to the inelastic strand 102 by a knot at the point 103.Other mechanisms for connecting the elastic strand 104 to the inelasticstrand 102 can also be used.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a system 200 that includes anapparatus 202 for providing a target zone in free space, coupled to twosupport structures 204. The apparatus 202 includes four elastic strands206 formed of an inelastic cord that is formed into a corkscrew form,where the loops of the corkscrew are biased to converge but which willyield to expand apart when the strand 206 is stretched or when an objectimpacts with the strand 206. Each elastic strand 206 is coupled at oneend to a spring-loaded clip 208 that has at least one first aperture 209that can be opened and closed, and which is closed in a default positionby a spring in the clip 208.

Each elastic strand 206 is coupled at an opposite end to an inelasticstrand 210 that is formed into a shape 211 of predetermined dimensions.The shape 211 is preferably rectangular, but can also be triangular orany other polygonal shape. In an alternative preferred embodiment, thedimensions of the shape 211 can be adjustable to correspond with abaseball strike zone, substantially as described above. The inelasticstrand 210 has a color that is different from the color of the elasticstrands 206. Preferably, the color of the inelastic strand 210 contrastswith the color of the elastic strands 206.

The apparatus 202 can be connected to a fence, a post, a wall or anyother stationary structure. Alternatively, the system 200 also includestwo support structures 204 to which the apparatus 202 can be connected.Each support structure 204 includes a base 220 for being placed on asubstantially planar surface, and an adjustable post comprising a lowerpost member 222 and an upper post member 224 that is slidably mated withthe lower post member 222. In an embodiment, the lower post member 222and the upper post member 224 are cylindrical, and the upper post member224 fits within the lower post member 222 in a telescoping arrangement.One or more holes 228 are provided in the lower post member 222 toreceive a depressible pin (not shown) in the upper post member 224 tosecure the post members in an arrangement for a desired height that isselectable from two or more predetermined height arrangements.

The upper post members 224 include an attachment mechanism 226 to whichan elastic strand 206 of the apparatus 202 can be coupled. An attachmentmechanism 226 can also be provided by the lower post member 222 or evenon the base 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment mechanism isan eye bolt, but can also be a ring, a hook, or other attachment device.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a spring-loaded clip 208 having atleast one first aperture 209 that can be opened and closed. The clip 208may also include a second aperture 230 for attaching to an interface 232connected to the elastic strand 206. In one embodiment, the secondaperture 230 is closed, and adapted to rotate relative to the rest ofthe clip 208.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, othermodifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope ofthe following claims.

1. An apparatus for providing a target zone for an object in motion, theapparatus comprising: an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of azone; and at least two elastic strands, each elastic strand beingconnected to a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biasedoutward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands formthe zone into a predetermined shape.
 2. An apparatus in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the inelastic strand is a first color, and wherein theat least two elastic strands are a second color that is different fromthe first color.
 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein thepredetermined shape is rectangular.
 4. An apparatus in accordance withclaim 3, wherein the predetermined shape is approximately 24 inches inheight and approximately 17 inches in width.
 5. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 2, wherein the first color is white, and whereinthe second color is black.
 6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,wherein each of the at least two elastic strands includes an attachmentmechanism for attaching to a support to suspend the zone at apredetermined height.
 7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,wherein the at least two elastic strands includes four elastic strands.8. A system for providing a target zone for an object in motion, thesystem comprising: an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of azone; at least two elastic strands, each elastic strand being connectedto a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outwardfrom the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form thezone into a predetermined shape; a support having an attachmentmechanism to which the at least two elastic strands can be connected tosuspend the zone at a predetermined height.
 9. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the inelastic strand is a first color,and wherein the at least two elastic strands are a second color that isdifferent from the first color.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 8,wherein the predetermined shape is rectangular.
 11. A system inaccordance with claim 10, wherein the predetermined shape isapproximately 24 inches in height and approximately 17 inches in width.12. A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the first color iswhite, and wherein the second color is black.
 13. A system in accordancewith claim 8, wherein each of the at least two elastic strands includesan attachment mechanism for attaching to a support to suspend the zoneat a predetermined height.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 8,wherein the at least two elastic strands includes four elastic strands.15. A system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the support comprises apair of posts.
 16. A system in accordance with claim 15, wherein thesupport further comprises a base connected to each post.
 17. A system inaccordance with claim 15, wherein each post is telescopically adjustablein height.
 18. A method for providing a target zone for an object inmotion, the apparatus comprising: defining a perimeter of a zone with aninelastic strand; and connecting at least two elastic strands torespective points along the inelastic strand, such that when biasedoutward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands formthe zone into a predetermined shape.
 19. A method in accordance withclaim 18, further comprising connecting the at least two elastic strandsto a support to suspend the zone at a predetermined height and form thezone into the predetermined shape.
 20. A method in accordance with claim18, wherein the predetermined shape is approximately 24 inches in heightand approximately 17 inches in width.